[Mankind were as unable to provide for themselves a righteousness wherein they might stand before God, as they
were to make an atonement for their past offences
But, behold, God would not leave us destitute ; he gave his Son to fulfil the law which we had broken, and, " to bring in an everlasting righteousness," " which should be unto all and
upon all them that believe" The name given him on
this very account is, " The Lord our Righteousness." Clothed in his unspotted robe, the vilest of returning prodigals may
stand perfect and complete in the presence of their God
Every one of them may say, " In the Lord have I righteousness and strength."]
3. To exalt us to glory —
[It was not only to begin, but to carry on and perfect our salvation, that the Father sent his Son into the world. He is
to be both " the author and the finisher of our faith"
Having delivered our souls from the guilt of sin, and from the powers of darkness, he will raise up our bodies also from the
grave, and exalt us to sit upon his throne for evermore
Never will he cease from his work, till he has fully and finally accomplished it on behalf of his people How wonder- ful is this! Surely it almost exceeds belief: that, instead of condemning the world, God should send his Son to save it, to save it by laying down his own life a ransom for us, and by managing all the concerns of every one of his elect till he shall have finally established them in the possession of their heavenly inheritance ! Hear, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth : yea, let all the choirs of heaven make it the ever- lasting subject of their highest praises ]
Address —
1. Those who are regardless of their own salvation —
[Alas! how little effect do the wonders of redemption produce on the world at large ! But what an aggravation of their guilt will it be to have poured contempt upon the Son of God ! Surely God's greatest mercy will prove their heaviest curse. The very devils will have more to say on their own behalf than they. Satan himself may say, " I never had sal- vation offered me ; I never sinned against redeeming love." But careless sinners are daily " trampling under foot the Son of God," who lived and died to save them. O lay this to heart, and seek an interest in him who alone can deliver you from the wrath to come.]
2. Those who are ready to doubt whether they ever can be saved —
[Many such there are in the Church of Christ
But did God send his Son to execute a work which he was not
1612. ] men's hatred of the light. 263
able to perform? or has Jesus discovered any backwardness to
fulfil his engagements ? Let not any be afraid : for if
a whole world is to be saved by him, he cannot but have a sufficiency to supply all our wants, provided we commit our- selves entirely to him ]
3. Those who are enjoying salvation —
[While you are reaping the blessed fruits of the Father's love, surely you will often say, what shall I render to the Lord ? If he gave up his dear Son for my salvation, shall
not I give up a bosom lust for his glory ? Think how
much you are indebted to him ; and endeavour to glorify him with your body and your spirit which are his.]